American Ginseng, Dendrobium, Polygonatum and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

A friend of Nourilo had been working long hours and staying up late, leaving him with a dry mouth, very dry eyes and an irritable mood. Two days of cooling tea hadn’t helped, so Nourilo suggested yin-nourishing food therapy instead. The friend didn’t fancy sweet soups, so this savoury soup of American ginseng, dendrobium, polygonatum, goji and carrot with lean pork is the answer — it traditionally supports qi, generates fluids and soothes the eyes.

Method

1. Soak the goji and polygonatum separately. Peel and chunk the carrot. Cut the lean pork into thick slices and blanch.
2. Simmer the polygonatum, carrot and pork in 7 cups of water for 1 hour.
3. Add the American ginseng and goji, boil briefly, reducing to about 0.9–1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

American ginseng contains volatile oils, so don’t simmer it for long. Add the goji near the end, and it can be eaten along with the ginseng slices for extra benefit. This soup suits young and old, but not anyone with a fever from a cold.